Why Did Japanese Media Report on USFK Reviewing Its Scope of Operations?

Nikkei Reports on January 4
Significance Placed on Possible Changes and Expansion in USFK's Role

Nikkei reported on January 4 that the United States Forces Korea (USFK), whose primary mission is to establish deterrence against North Korea, is reviewing its scope of operations in preparation for a potential Taiwan contingency.

Japanese media perceive a Chinese invasion of Taiwan as a significant security threat. Therefore, they are focusing on remarks made by USFK Commander Xavier Brunson, interpreting them as an indication of possible changes or expansion in the role of USFK.

Map of US Forces Korea in East Asia. Provided by US Forces Korea, Yonhap News Agency

Nikkei reported on Commander Brunson's remarks at a forum held in Seoul on December 29. At the time, he stated, "Korea is not simply here to respond to threats on the Korean Peninsula," and noted that USFK had posted a map of East Asia on its website with north and south reversed, keeping a Taiwan contingency in mind.

The newspaper also reported that the map included the distances from Seoul not only to Pyongyang, but also to Beijing in China, Taipei in Taiwan, and Manila in the Philippines. It explained that this demonstrates USFK's strategic advantage in East Asia.

Regarding US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's visit to Korea in November last year, the newspaper assessed that USFK's commitment to maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula is clear. At the same time, it reported his remarks that "it is necessary to enhance flexibility to respond to any other emergencies in the region."

Nikkei predicted that, while the Korean government remains cautious about the possible deployment of USFK to third countries, the reason the United States is emphasizing the 'flexibility' of USFK is due to the increasing likelihood of a conflict breaking out in Taiwan.

Regarding Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, the report noted that it is geographically close not only to North Korea, but also to China and Taiwan. It also explained that the Pyeongtaek base is adjacent to Osan Air Base and Pyeongtaek Port, making it well-suited for supporting troops and supplies in the event of a contingency.

The newspaper emphasized the strategic significance of USFK in Pyeongtaek, stating, "If you head out from Pyeongtaek Port into the Yellow Sea, you reach Qingdao in Shandong Province, home port of China's aircraft carrier Liaoning," and concluded that the strategic importance of USFK stationed in Pyeongtaek is extremely high from a geopolitical perspective.